Looking back at a heartwarming workshop held at Niiza Municipal Shinbori Elementary School in Saitama.
With the desire to “let children experience something different from regular school penmanship classes,” about 100 students gathered for this special event.
“Michi” (Path) – Collaboration with Wadaiko Club
To start, I performed a calligraphy demonstration accompanied by the energetic shouts and beats of the school’s Wadaiko (Japanese Drum) Club.
Together with the children’s energy, I wrote the character 「道」 (Michi – Path/Way).
Unleashing Creativity with Giant Brushes
In the workshop, children used brushes much larger than usual to write about their “Best Summer Memories.”
It was a time to break free from the strict rules of “Shosha” (penmanship) and enjoy the pure fun of expression.
A Path Lined with “Dream Flowers”
I also asked them to write their “Future Dreams” on flower-shaped paper.
“Don’t give up. If you try, you can do anything.”
To convey this message, we pasted the children’s “Dream Flowers” onto the large “Michi” artwork I had written.
Seeing the “Path” bloom with 100 dreams was a moving sight, representing the infinite potential of the next generation.
Yabe Chosho Office
